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Best Canadians to have ever suited up for the Blue Jays

In celebration of Canada Day, let’s take a look at the most prominent Canadian-born players in Toronto Blue Jays history
ByEdward Eng|
Apr 30, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) celebrates with teammate starting pitcher Jordan Romano (68) after defeating the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Apr 30, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) celebrates with teammate starting pitcher Jordan Romano (68) after defeating the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images | Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
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Pitcher Paul Quantrill - 1996-2001

Paul Quantrill #48 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws.
Paul Quantrill #48 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws. | Rick Stewart/GettyImages

Despite starting his MLB career with the Boston Red Sox, Paul Quantrill had his best seasons as a reliever with the Blue Jays between 1996-2001. He may have started out as a starter for Toronto, but they soon found that he was made for the bullpen. In his six seasons with the Jays, Quantrill amassed a 30-34 record and 15 saves, along with a 3.67 ERA and 334 strikeouts in 517 2/3 innings over 386 appearances that included 20 starts. As a constant workhorse, he even led the league with 80 appearances in 2001 and earned his first and only All-Star nomination of his career. Without Quantrill, let’s just say those dreadful years could have been even worse for the Blue Jays.

Catcher Russell Martin - 2015-2018

Martin
Sep 30, 2018; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin (55) looks on from the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images | Kim Klement-Imagn Images

It didn't happen very often for the Blue Jays, or the city of Toronto for that matter, where a star player in their prime wanted to come home and play for their country or their city. But the Jays went out and made that happen during the 2014 offseason. They signed catcher Russell Martin to help carry both the pitching staff and the team to the postseason.

As a former Gold Glove, Silver Slugger winner and four-time All-Star, Martin was one of the best well-rounded catchers at the time. With the veteran backstop at the helm, the Blue Jays made two straight postseason appearances in 2015 and 2016. Martin put together 224 runs scored, 66 home runs and 211 RBIs in four seasons with Toronto, and he became one of the most popular Jays catchers of all-time.